Woodrow Wilson and the Principle of National Self Determination: a Reconsideration 10/27/2010 8:35:00 AM

Kissinger argues that the ideal of Wilsonianism long outlasted wilsons contribution to politics and even the ideals that other stood for at the time Peace depends on the extension of democracy Individual ethics may be applied to judge the behavior of states The disintergration of the Soviet Union showed how liberal states held the power in world politics Wilsonian doctrine also used in first Gulf War and Serbian conflict in 1999 The interpretation of self-determationation of peoples has become the self determination of nations This may not have been what Wilson originally intended Wilsonian doctrine went far in legitimizing that nationalist principle in world politics Hitler invoked Wilsons language in speeches on the Rhineland Can be seen that Liberalist as well as Marxist theory has little place for Ethinc as opposed to civic nationalism.

Wilsons understanding of the principle of political self-determination 10/27/2010 8:35:00 AM

The idea of national self determination was not new at the 1919 summit, as far back as 1789 the international actors had been shocked at Frances liquidation of the Corsican independence movement following purcahses from Genoa Wilson was committed to free trade, a belief that the government should provide a strong and efficient administration and keep the possibility of progress alive Wilson believed that the USA had a moral duty to liberate mature peoples from autocratic government Language featured heavily in Wilsons writings pre 1914, something that would become the defining factor in determination following Versailles Wilsons self determination meant the right for a community to selfgovern It had nothing to do with tradtion of ethnic nationalism [whichWilson held to be the foundation of any stable peace] is to find expression? Does the principle point to national self-determination, does national self-determination mean national sovereign determination?that is, that each nationality is entitled to possession of its own sovereign state?or does itmean autonomy within the given state structure? Does the same policy apply to all nationalities, great and small? Wilson had a limited knowledge of peoples living in Europe Had no idea that there were a large number of Germans in Bohemia Wilson also had little idea of how European politics operated Tried to foil premier Orlandos claims over Damatia but Orlando was able to delay his claim until he had been able to create a suitable riposte to the Italian people

Self Determination as Creed, not programme10/27/2010 8:35:00 A

Wilsons commitment to self-determination reflected an attitude rather than a policy or programme, there was little serious planning. The USA did not enter the war to dissolve the Austro-Hungarian empire Delayed declaration of war against Vienna until December 1917 Can be seen that in 1917 when the points were drafted it was the Austro-Hungarian self that needed separating from Germany Influence of Military Campaign Only after it was clear it couldnt remove Germany did the USA embrace dissolution in 1918 The conditions in the Hapbsburg empire were very bad in the winter of 1917-18, many desertions and some rose in open revolt Can be seen as comparable to the conditions of Russia before the overthrow of the monarchy Original external stimulus of Habsburg nationalism came form London and Paris with the secret treaties which envisaged the break up of large parts of the empire But the habsburg leadership could not effectively disassociate itself with the germans Wilsons experience in Mexico proved that military intervention to install good governance was not effective and as such resisted a politically inspired intervention in Russia to overthrow Communism

Conclusion

10/27/2010 8:35:00 AM

Wilson genuinely believed in Self Determination, did not simply want imperialistic gains out of Thought it was best for organizing a stable peace Also was not nave, he knew it could not be applied in an unqualified way Issues of nationalistic determination would have to give way to security, diplomatic and economic issues Tended to interperet east European political trends in an Anglo-American light, did not see self determination as an excuse for ethnic nationalism Was not well enough informed